A Swiss Adventure
Visiting and hiking
London
Camden
Our journey began in Portland, Oregon, where we boarded a long-haul
flight to London. After a comfortable journey, we landed at Heathrow Airport
and made our way into the bustling city.
London, a city we had both visited before, felt familiar yet
different. The multicultural atmosphere there was as vibrant as ever, with
people from all walks of life mingling in the streets and markets. The city's
iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace,
still held their allure for us, even though we had seen them many times before.
One of our primary reasons for visiting London was to reconnect with
old friends and family. We visited St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington where
Julia had trained to be a nurse. Julia was surprised to see the fish and chip
shop she had spent so much time in, was still there.
Martin and Kris
We spent time with Julia's old friends, Martin and Kris, who had
also trained to be nurses at St. Mary's Hospital so many years ago. Lunching
together, the three of them reminisced about shared experiences and caught up
on each other's lives. I learnt about Julia when she was just a young woman.
Some very interesting stories were shared.
My friends Paul and Wendy who live in Westminster shared a breakfast
with us. We met their friends who were visiting. Great times and many stories
of Paul and Wendy’s time living in Australia were shared.
Paul and Wendy and friends
We also visited with Julia's brother, Charles, his wife Edwina, and
their rambunctious daughter, Daphne. Daphne is very young, but she is a
powerhouse and full of energy. It was so good spending time with them.
Beyond our personal connections, we explored the vibrant
neighborhoods of London. Camden Market, with its eclectic mix of shops, canals,
street performers, and food stalls, was a must-visit. We wandered through the
bustling market, browsing through handmade crafts, and always on the lookout
for vegan cuisine.
Daphne
Our time in London was a delightful blend of nostalgia, friendship,
family, and exploration. The city's vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the warmth
of our loved ones, made it a truly memorable experience.
As we prepared to embark on the next leg of our journey,
Switzerland, we carried with us the fond memories of our London reunion.
Luzern, Switzerland
Chapel Bridge Luzern
Our Swiss adventure began on a crisp morning in London as Julia, and
I boarded our flight bound for Zurich. The excitement of visiting Luzern, a
city known for its alpine beauty and medieval charm, was palpable as we settled
into our seats. Having traveled extensively in Europe, we both anticipated
something unique in Switzerland, with its blend of natural landscapes, history,
and precision. As we ascended into the sky, I reflected on the many trips we’ve
taken, but something about the idea of Switzerland felt like it would be a
world unto itself.
The descent into Zurich was a smooth transition, with the
snow-capped Alps providing a magnificent welcome. Zurich Airport was impeccably
organized, as expected, and within minutes of disembarking, we found ourselves
navigating the well-marked signs to the Swiss Rail system. Zurich’s crisp
autumn air filled our lungs as we made our way to the station, and with Swiss
efficiency, we were on our way to Luzern in no time.
Luzern
The train journey from Zurich to Luzern was a treat in itself. The
Swiss trains, comfortable and quiet, glided through a landscape that seemed
like it was pulled from a fairy tale. Rolling green hills, scattered with
charming wooden chalets, gradually gave way to towering peaks dusted with early
snow. The serenity of the journey was enhanced by the bright blue sky, with the
autumn sun casting long shadows across the valleys. I remember glancing over at
Julia, who had her nose pressed to the window, captivated by the ever-changing
views.
Arriving in Luzern, we were instantly struck by the contrast between
the bustling, modern station and the medieval beauty of the town beyond. Just
outside the station, we were greeted by the view of Lake Luzern, the calm
waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. The iconic Chapel Bridge
(Kapellbrücke) and its water tower stood proudly, a reminder of the town’s deep
historical roots.
Reuss River Luzern
Our first stop, after dropping off our bags at a charming hotel, was
to explore the Old Town. Luzern’s Old Town is a cobbled maze of medieval
buildings, their facades adorned with colorful frescoes, each telling a story
of the city’s past. We wandered through the narrow streets, marveling at the
well-preserved architecture. Each corner we turned revealed a new hidden square
or an alleyway leading to another picturesque view of the lake, the river, or
the mountains beyond. Julia and I both have a love for history, so we spent a
lot of time reading the plaques and learning about the town’s evolution from a
simple fishing village to the cultural gem it is today.
One of the highlights of our exploration was discovering the Museggmauer,
Luzern’s old city wall. Built in the 14th century, the wall still
stands proudly, with several of its original towers intact. Walking alongside
this imposing structure, we were transported back in time, imagining how it
once protected the city from invaders. The Museggmauer serves as both a
reminder of Luzern’s medieval past and a symbol of its enduring charm. The
blend of history and stunning vistas made it one of our favorite parts of the
Old Town.
Reuss River Luzern
Another highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to the Chapel
Bridge. Walking across this ancient wooden bridge, with its roofed walkway and
series of painted triangular panels depicting scenes from Luzern’s history, was
like stepping back in time. The Reuss River flowed peacefully beneath us, and
we paused frequently to take in the views of the city, framed perfectly by the
bridge’s arched windows. It was hard to believe that much of the bridge had
been destroyed in a fire in 1993, as the restoration was so seamlessly done
that it felt entirely original.
For lunch, we decided to dive into Swiss vegan cuisine. We found a
cozy restaurant near the river where we enjoyed a hearty meal of vegetables.
The meal was perfectly accompanied by crusty Swiss bread. As we sat in the
warm, wood-paneled interior, looking out at the chilly streets of Luzern, it
felt like we had truly arrived in Switzerland. The pace of life here seemed
slower, more intentional, and we found ourselves relaxing into it as we
lingered over our meal.
Our evening was spent walking along the river, where we were treated
to a stunning sunset. The sky turned shades of pink and orange, casting a
magical glow over the water and mountains. The peaks of Mount Pilatus and Rigi,
which had loomed in the distance all day, seemed even more majestic in the fading
light. It was one of those moments where everything felt perfectly aligned—the
beauty of nature, the tranquility of the city, and the quiet companionship we
shared.
Mount Pilatus
The next day, we set our sights on Mount Pilatus, an imposing peak
that had been looming in the distance since our arrival in Luzern. Known for
its breathtaking views and the thrilling journey to the summit, it was a
must-see on our Swiss adventure. We made our way to the base of the mountain,
eager to experience what is reputed to be the world’s steepest cogwheel
railway.
The ride itself was an exhilarating adventure. The train, an
engineering marvel, climbed the mountain at an astonishing gradient of up to
48%, cutting through dense forests and rocky terrain. As we ascended, the
landscape outside our window transformed dramatically. At first, we were
surrounded by lush greenery, the dense trees occasionally parting to offer
glimpses of the shimmering Lake Luzern below. But as we climbed higher, the
vegetation thinned, giving way to craggy cliffs and sweeping alpine meadows. We
passed grazing cows with their signature Swiss cowbells clanging softly in the
crisp mountain air, adding to the sense of being in an entirely different
world.
By the time we reached the summit, we were over 2,100 meters above
sea level. Stepping off the train, we were immediately struck by the sheer
scale of the panorama before us. The views from the top were nothing short of
breathtaking. Below, the deep blue waters of Lake Luzern sparkled in the
sunlight, winding through the valleys like a ribbon of glass. The city of
Luzern, with its red-roofed buildings and iconic Chapel Bridge, looked like a
tiny model village from this height. Beyond, the distant Alps stretched
endlessly into the horizon, their snow-capped peaks glistening under the cloudy
sky.
Standing at the summit, surrounded by the grandeur of the mountains,
we were immediately drawn to the network of stairs and caves carved into the
rocky outcrops. The mountain’s rugged terrain invited us to explore further, so
we began climbing the steep stone steps that wound up and around the craggy
peaks. With each ascent, the views became more dramatic, the vast landscape
stretching endlessly before us. The climb was exhilarating, though challenging
at times, as the stairs twisted through narrow passageways, occasionally
opening into hidden alcoves and caves.
The caves themselves felt like secret chambers, providing shelter
from the mountain’s gusty winds. We ventured inside several of them, some
offering windows carved into the rock that framed the sweeping views of the
valleys below. Descending the stairs was equally thrilling, as we carefully
navigated the steep paths, sometimes using handrails for support. The sense of
adventure kept us moving, but there were moments when we paused, catching our
breath and soaking in the raw beauty of the mountain.
The silence up there was profound, broken only by the sound of our
footsteps echoing against the stone and the occasional murmur of other
travelers. Julia and I eventually found a quiet spot at the top to rest,
reflecting on the physical and emotional journey of the climb. It felt like we
were not just connected to the landscape, but to something much larger than
ourselves. The experience of exploring those ancient, weather-worn caves and
climbing the mountain’s winding paths added a sense of discovery to the already
breathtaking scenery. It was a moment of adventure, peace, and awe that we knew
we’d carry with us long after we descended back into the town below.
Luzern with Mount Pilatus
Our time in Luzern ended all too quickly, but it left a lasting
impression on both of us. The city, with its blend of history, natural beauty,
and calm atmosphere, was the perfect introduction to Switzerland. As we boarded
the train to our next destination, we knew we’d return someday. Luzern had
captured a part of our hearts, and I imagine its peaceful streets and towering
mountains will stay with us for a long time to come.